The above coins are both collector coins, so it is very healthy to see collector demand coming back to the lunars and cultural pieces.

Yes, collector is buying, but not investor/speculator. The different activities in internet auction and on-site auction clearly suggests that investors/speculators are not in the market yet and rare coins, especially Imperial and Republic coins which have a very nice selection in this auction, are being picked up by collectors.

The China Pricepedia MCM Index was up by 6.4% in the late February through late March period, a record one month gain. Of the coins followed there were 16 up, 4 down and 3 unchanged. Clearly the market for modern China collector coins (there are no bullion coins in the Index and most of the coins have not seen much speculative activity because they are not common enough to promote) has of late been giving us strong signs of awakening.